My dad, his friend, and I all met up at this trail to run this morning. We parked under Mopac (them along the street, me in the parking lot that is reserved for Austin High during the week) around 6:30 am on a Sunday and while there were many cars already it wasn't full close to full. When we finished nearly two hours later, this had changed: It was packed in the area we had parked. Needless to say, this isn't a place to go for solitude, but I like it because it's fun to see everyone out enjoying the area differently (walking, running/jogging, biking, boating).

Our mileage varies from the one shown on here because with the addition of the Boardwalk we were able to run all the way to Pleasant Valley and cross on the dam. After crossing the dam is the area with a couple of murals (mentioned above), so it's worth it to do these extra miles, both for the fitness and the sights.

The trail is easy, mostly granite gravel with a few paved parts. It's really nice to run on. There are a lot of neat sights, such as good vantage points of the downtown skyline, sculptures, the Stevie statue, and and some cool graffiti murals.

Every Town Needs a TrailJen Ohlson
List Price:
Our price: $57.67Every Town Needs a Trail celebrates the lore and heritage of Austin s Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail that was inspired by the vision and leadership of Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson. It is a cultural story, a scenic story, an environmental story, and a universal story about the deep need in all of us to maintain and cherish our nation s open spaces, which in turn, shape the essence of our very own being.

Since that groundbreaking December day in 1971, when Lady Bird began her quiet legacy of helping create a simple walking path along the banks of the Colorado River, the Town Lake Trail has transformed into one of Austin s most beloved resources. It elevates its residents and visitors alike with its tranquility, inspires with its calmness, and galvanizes an entire city with its energy and beauty.

Every Town Needs a Trail features inspirational interviews with some of Austin s most distinguished residents over the past three decades who are among the thousands of people who have enjoyed the Trail on a daily basis, along with beautiful scenic photographs of the Trail by Russ Ohlson, Brenda Lindfors and friends of the Trail.

Experience the magic of the Town Lake Trail. Share in the wisdom of some of its most inspirational residents. Enjoy the story about a Trail with an amazing past, a vibrant present and the hope of a perpetual future. The following pages will be your guide along the path of Austin's crown jewel -- a path to live by and a place to be well.